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University asked to divest from fossil fuels

Sustainable Trent member Julian Tennent-Riddell stands on the bridge at Trent University on Tuesday. Sustainable Trent is awaiting a response from the Trent University Board of Governors regarding a fossil fuel divestment proposal. Jessica Nyznik/EXAMINER

Sustainable Trent members are keeping their fingers crossed for a positive response from the Trent University board of governors in a meeting this Thursday.

In January, the group proposed a divestment from the fossil fuel industry from their school’s investment portfolio.

Sustainable Trent member Julian Tennent-Riddell said he hopes the board makes the “ethical, moral choice” to sell the fossil fuel stock and reallocate the funds to renewable energy and other solutions to climate change, such as public transportation and energy efficiency.

Tennent-Riddell said he feels the university’s investment in the stock does not align with the student’s values and what they stand for.

After a student referendum on divestment from the school’s involvement in fossil fuel in March of 2013, 76% of voters were in favour of the proposal.

“As students we want our university to live up to it’s reputation. As young people climate change is going to affect us diversely. Our university should do what it can,” he said.

With Trent celebrating its 50th year, Tennent-Riddell said he thinks it would be a good time for the school to do something bold and be the first university in Canada to divest from fossil fuels and strengthen its reputation as a leader in environmental sustainability.

While Tennent-Riddell is “cautiously optimistic” that Trent will make what he thinks is the right decision, he isn’t holding his breath.

“If they don’t commit yet or say no, we’ll keep building our support and pressure. There’s a lot of support there.”

Sustainable Trent currently has an online petition calling for Trent to divest in fossil fuels, which has gathered more than 950 signatures.